I was 100% in my head…
I’m just back from a backcountry backpacking trip in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Four days of hiking, 3 nights camping in the backcountry, across the Rocky Mountain National Park from Wild Basin to East Inlet covering more than 20 miles. Oh… and with a 40-pound backpack!
On the 3rd day, there were two really hard sections. One was a field of boulders where it seemed that every step the rock tilted or I felt I was going to tip over backwards given the weight of the pack. The second, even worse section, was a true backcountry area with NO trail and about 45-degree incline that we were going DOWN. And again, with the heavy and unwieldy pack I had the feeling I was going head first down this mountain.
I was TERRIFIED, PETRIFIED!
Those are the exact words I used to our (amazing) guide.
She ended up having to take my pack twice (on both the boulders and the steep downhill) which was embarrassing to me – I pride myself in being able to do hard things.
During the trek I knew I was in my head and I tried really hard to get myself into a better mindset. For some reason, I could not get past the fear.
Evaluating the situation now, 2 days out from that frustrating day, I have come to terms with a few things:
- It’s not always possible to “fix” your mindset in the moment – the best we can do is TRY – and evaluate what you would do different the next time.
- I have the opportunity to TRY AGAIN – this coming weekend, I have another tough hike planned. During this past trip I had the thought I might not try this weekend’s hike but a couple of days and a bit of rest and I will be attempting the Presidential Traverse in NH (in 2 days vs the typical 3 days!)
- Getting help is not a sign of weakness – we all need help sometimes. Do I wish I didn’t need our guide to carry my pack – yes! Am I going to beat myself up for weeks because that is what happened – no! (with a lot of work to check myself and my thoughts as they arise). Recognizing when we need help is a strength.
- Continuing my gratitude practice – I am incredibly grateful for the ability to take trips like this, meet amazing people from around the world (we had 2 people on the trek with my group of friends – one from Scotland and one from Australia), learn from talented guides (this guide was a 25-year-old woman that was mature and experienced beyond her years), and see the most beautiful places in the world.
One can learn from these experiences related to a career transition as well. Applying all 4 of these learnings, know that it is okay to not always have the best mindset about the transition.
Ready to make a career transition to pharma/biotech… want to explore a way to use your medical training and knowledge in a fulfilling way without nights and weekends call or charting. Watch this webinar on Getting Past the Three Major Hurdles to a Career in the Pharma Industry HERE.